How can the interview be modified to assist with these difficulties?

• Psychiatric interview often takes longer in people with intellectual disability and some time may need to be set aside to establish rapport with the person. • It may be better for the person to be seen in their usual environment as going to a medical appointment can make some people very anxious. • If the person has to attend at an office, getting the first appointment in the day can reduce waiting time. • It is important to inform the health professional if any difficulties are anticipated, particularly if the person is violent. • As the person is likely to have difficulty with giving a history, it is important that someone who knows the person will attend the assessment. • Previous reports and assessments should be made available. • If behaviours of concern have been charted then it is important to take this information to the appointment. • An informal conversation at the outset can help put the person at ease, improving the quality of the interview. • Several shorter sessions may be preferable for people with limited attention and concentration, or who are prone to agitation. • In people with limited language, visual aids can be helpful. • It may be useful to join an activity with the person and have a more casual ‘chat’ to get information.